It is no secret at this point that ad-supported streaming tiers have become the revenue lifeline streaming didn’t realize it needed. For many streamers, this shift into ad-supported programming has been coupled with an overall reduction in content spending as they vie to bring their strained balance sheets back into the black. Not so for A&E entertainment, however, as they announce an ambitious slate of over 2,500 hours of content in the hopes of attracting eager ad inventory buyers in a tough market. Brandon Blake, entertainment lawyer at Blake & Wang P.A. shares the news.
Unscripted TV Continues as the Streaming Darling
A&W Networks is best known for its unscripted TV content, albeit on linear, not streaming, platforms. Unscripted is currently seen as one of the strongest growth areas for the entertainment industry, especially in light of those cost-cutting measures. Given the consistent declines in pay TV revenue we’ve seen, however, remaining with a linear-only strategy is a bold move indeed.
Massive Upfront Slate
A&E Networks announced last week that they will be taking a juicy content slate of over 2,500 hours to their Upfront presentation this year, in the hopes of convincing ad buyers they have the staying power to remain competitive despite those linear ties. However, they have also been experimenting with some low-stakes library-based FAST TV options recently. Coupled with the recent interest in licensing streaming content to other platforms, this could be the boost A&E needs to attract ad buyer attention and ensure their longevity in the entertainment landscape.
To further boost that attractiveness, A&E has also put its focus on offering new ad tools to buyers, including its ‘InterAction’ platform. Will this be enough to keep ad buyer interest and position them as a competitive boutique media company? They certainly believe so, despite swimming against the changing tides of the wider entertainment industry.
